Fave Muppeteer(s)

Mine would have to be:
Richard Hunt: Because he's so totally groovy and has rully good vocal talents.
Frank Oz: Because he's a great performer and I love his characters.
But I can't really make up my mind. i love all the Muppet performers but those two would have ta be my faves. I think on s'more.
What 'bout you guys?
-Kiki

For me it's Jim. It's one thing to be able to perform other voices, but Jim was able to perform other personalities. Not just stereotypical or general emotional types; but clear and definitive personalities. I think Frank pulled that off really well too.
Lately though I've been super impressed with Bill Baretta. What a witty guy. He's so crafty and sharp, clearly he can improvise and work off the cuff very well.

The first reason Dave is so awesome is because I tend to identify with him. We're both shy, wear glasses, and have a weird sense of humor. Also, like him, I don't have a background in entertainment, but I puppeteer because it's what I love to do.

The second reason is because that guy has worked so hard throughout his career, and he kept trying even when things must have seemed bleak. He had the courage to audition for Jim, sing in a production for the first time, get that first laugh from the crew on The Muppet Show, and ride a roller coaster for an episode of Fraggle Rock. I really, really admire him for that. (And let's not forget his puppetbuilding and engineering skills--genius!) He's also the only pre-Muppet Show puppeteer who's still with the Muppets (not counting Jerry because he only does SS nowadays).

And the third and final reason is because his characters have been my absolute favorites since I was a moderately-sized baby.

I hope you all enjoyed that mini-essay, and even if you didn't, well, you asked for it.

Okay, let's see...we've got healthy fan bases for most of the principal Muppeteers, so any attempts to vote for 'Muppeteer of the Year' or some nonsense like that would end in a three or four-way tie at least.

Richard's definitely my favorite, but since we're talking about Dave; I like the unique way he overpronounces "t" sounds when he performers some of his characters (you hear that a lot with Boober and Rugby from The Christmas Toy). And so many people I talk to remember Zoot, he definitely had a presence despite the lack of dialogue! Plus, Dave has a nice smile (hope that didn't sound weird!)

my favorites are Jerry Nelson and Jim Henson .. Jerry Nelson's vocal range is the best of all the muppeteers.. and I loved the way Jim Henson could do an interview with Kermit, and it seemed like there were two people there.. he brought so much life to his characters